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VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI urged young people to express love in unselfish ways, looking past social goals of competition and productivity in order to become “witnesses of charity” in the world. He held out Blessed Teresa of Calcutta as an example of a Christian who translated love into concrete action to help the poorest of the poor.

In a recent meeting for PATH, People Acting Together in Howard, some 50 youth and adults in Howard County were encouraged to come and share their thoughts, opinions and questions on issues they believe are plaguing the county. “We are preparing the ground work by getting the youth involved,” said Hector Rodriguez, lead organizer of PATH and a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist, Columbia. PATH’s goal is to be engaged in the things people are interested in including housing, transportation and the young people, said Mr. Rodriguez.

BROWNSBURG, Ind. – The Indianapolis Colts had just completed a 38-34 heart-pounding victory Jan. 21 that would send them to the Super Bowl Feb. 4 in Miami. Team owner Jim Irsay and head coach Tony Dungy stood on a stage at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis to receive the Lamar Hunt Trophy as the NFL’s American Football Conference champions. At that moment – arguably the greatest in the history of the Colts’ franchise since its move to Indianapolis in 1984 – both men expressed thanks and praise to God.

VATICAN CITY – Rarely is a general audience talk interrupted by spontaneous applause, and Pope Benedict XVI seemed as surprised as anyone when the clapping began in the Vatican’s audience hall. The pope had been talking about the church’s early times, and he set aside his text to drive home a point: The apostles and first disciples weren’t perfect, but had their own arguments and controversies. “This appears very consoling to me, because we see that the saints did not drop as saints from heaven. They were men like us with problems and even with sins,” he said Jan. 31.

When Betty Williams enters St. Bernardine Feb. 11, she will be sporting a red outfit and she’s encouraging her fellow parishioners to do the same. The fashion statement is not in honor of St. Valentine’s Day, but to raise awareness about the importance of cardiovascular care and the risk factors related to heart disease.

Teachers in Maryland Catholic and other nonpublic schools are eligible for the first time to receive state scholarships to pursue teaching careers in fields with a critical teacher shortage, thanks to legislation the Maryland Catholic Conference helped pass last year. The awards will be available for the 2007-2008 academic year. The deadline to apply is June 1. To be considered for the grants based on need, applicants must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

The Knights of Columbus of St. Lawrence Martyr, Jessup, will hold a Valentine Dance in the parish center on Feb. 17 from 8 p.m. until midnight.

The next session of Why Catholic?, the adult faith formation program based on the church’s catechism and scriptures, will correspond with the season of Lent and for most parishes the small groups will meet starting Feb. 18.

This year Stella Maris’ highest form of praise, the Mercy Spirit Award, went to Stephanie Gramling and Phyllistine Davis. The award is given to two employees who live the values of the Sisters of Mercy. Nominees must demonstrate four of the seven core values of the Mercy Health Services, including respect, hospitality, mercy/justice, excellence, empowerment, stewardship and prayer.